How far is Alton, IA from West Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance from Alton, IA to West Des Moines, IA is about 209.8 miles (337.6 km), with a travel time of about 03h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 152.7 miles (245.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 11m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 35m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Harrison County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Alton and West Des Moines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alton and West Des Moines.
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1
Start on the route
34 m · 13 sec
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2
Turn left onto West 10th Street
48 m · 9 sec · West 10th Street
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3
Turn right onto 3rd Avenue
1.7 mi · 3 min · 3rd Avenue
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4
Take the ramp left
2177 ft · 53 sec
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5
Merge slight left
13.3 mi · 15 min
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6
Continue straight
30.1 mi · 36 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 29: Sioux City, Council Bluffs
1754 ft · 23 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 29 South: Council Bluffs, Sioux Gateway Airport
73.3 mi · 1 hr 19 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 880 East: Des Moines
1.2 km · 2 min
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10
Continue straight
16 mi · 17 min
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Des Moines
1.1 km · 44 sec
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12
Merge slight right
94.9 mi · 1 hr 42 min
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13
Keep slight left to continue on John MacVicar Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
2657 ft · 1 min
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15
Turn right onto 8th Street
1 mi · 2 min · 8th Street
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16
Turn left onto Vine Street
143 m · 13 sec · Vine Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Vine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Alton and West Des Moines.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 80 East
Merge slight right
94.9 mi · 01h 42m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Alton and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Alton to West Des Moines?
The road trip is about 209.8 miles (337.6 km) and usually takes 03h 35m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Missouri Valley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 118.1 miles from Alton and 91.7 miles from West Des Moines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 152.7 miles (245.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 57.1 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:48 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.91 one way or $55.81 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 65.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Alton and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near West Des Moines.
Stop Ideas Near Missouri Valley
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Missouri Valley.
Omaha
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alton and West Des Moines. Straight-line distance: 152.66 mi (245.68 km).
#1 Alton
Human settlement in Sioux County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,249 |
| Coordinates | 42.9874900, -96.0105700 |
| Altitude | 404 |
| Country | United States |
#2 West Des Moines
The most populous city in Dallas County, Iowa.
| Population | 69,057 |
| Coordinates | 41.5772100, -93.7113300 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
End: Vine Street (-93.71133, 41.577301)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 338 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.91 | $55.81 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $31.47 | $62.94 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $34.44 | $68.88 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $39.25 | $78.50 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Apr 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.